18-year-old girl with heart disease gives Class 12 exam

In February, Priyanka Mishra, 18, a Navi Mumbai resident could not appear for her Class 12 practical exam in Math because she was in hospital after being operated for heart valve disease, a condition where the valves of the heart are blocked.

In February, Priyanka Mishra, 18, a Navi Mumbai resident could not appear for her Class 12 practical exam in Math because she was in hospital after being operated for heart valve disease, a condition where the valves of the heart are blocked.

But this did not deter Mishra who has been appearing for her Board exams that started on February 21. Though Mishra, a student of Oriental College of Commerce in Sanpada, missed her practical exam, the state board has allowed her to reappear for her practical exam on March 31.

Though doctors advised her complete bed rest, Mishra did not want to miss out on her board exams. “She was extremely weak and it seemed impossible that she would be able to appear for her exams this year. I told her that her life was more important than exams,” said Rekha Mishra, her mother.

But an adamant Mishra did not want to waste an academic year.

While she lost her father two years ago, it’s his words that keep her motivated. “His words ‘never admit defeat’ encouraged me to sit for my exam. I studied slowly but regularly and decided to give my exams,” Mishra said.

Misra added, “My friends helped me prepare for the exams and told me I could do it. My college authorities also co-operated and spoke to the board authorities.”

With special permission from the Board office, Misra will now appear for her Maths practical exam on March 31 from an exam centre in Parel. “Since she missed out on her practical exam because of her medical condition, we decided to help her save a year,” said RR Bhise, divisional secretary of the state board.